Points of Russia: Exploring the Land of the Tsars

39; ' Exploring the Effects of the Russian Revolution Throughout the course of history, it has been clear that certain events have helped shape the way we live our lives. One of the most visible of these events was the Russian Revolution, which lasted from 1917 to 1922. At its peak, the Revolution abolished the Tsar’s monarchy and installed a new government: the Bolsheviks. This, in turn, had massive implications for all aspects of life in Russia, from its economy to its social structure. Here, we will discuss the effects of the Russian Revolution, and how it has shaped the modern and contemporary Russian sphere. One of the first and most visible effects of the Revolution was the switch from the Tsar’s monarchy to a new governmental structure. This new system was based on the principle of socialism, and was made up of a single-party state. The Bolshevik Party, helmed by Lenin and Trotsky, was the primary political force in Russia, and imposed a highly centralized government. This...

Examining Major Conflicts in Russian History Russia is a country that has been plagued by a long and sometimes turbulent history, filled with wars and conflicts. Over the course of its long existence, Russia has faced both foreign and domestic wars and conflicts, some of which shaped the nation into what it is today. In this article we take a look at some of the major conflicts which occurred in Russia throughout its history, and how they impacted the country. The Mongol Invasions The Mongols, also known as Tatars, began their invasion of Russia in the early 13th century. The Mongols were led by Genghis Khan, who wanted to expand and gain control of the region. The Mongols were ruthless and brutal in their conquest of Russia, and the devastation they caused was severe. At the time, Russia had yet to unify as a single state, and the Mongols took advantage of the disunity of the regions. The consequences of the Mongol invasion were seen for centuries after it ended. Entire towns and c...

Exploring the Splendour of Golden-domed Mosques Russia, the land of the Tsars, stands out among other countries due to its long history and incredible architectural heritage. One of the most spectacular sites that highlights the centuries-old cultural tradition of Russia is the golden-domed mosques. These brilliantly constructed religious buildings are a source of great beauty and stunning views for visitors and are a must for all tourists who wish to explore the culture, history, and beauty of Russia. Golden-domed mosques have been around for centuries in Russia, first appearing in the 16th century when a handful of religious centers were built in different parts of the country. Over the years, these religious centers were adorned with domes made of gold, giving them a unique and beautiful look. The domes were also decorated with patterns and inscriptions, giving them an even more impressive visual presence. Alex Glebov @ Unsplash These kinds of ...

Recognizing the Power of Russia’s Political Figures Russia is a country of vast land, imperial history and powerful political figures. Although the story of the Tsars and their noble families has been lost in time, it is still important to understand their legacy and the effects that it has had on Russia since. From ancient conquests to modern economic leaders, Russia’s politics have always been a significant source of influence. In this article, we’ll explore some of the most influential political figures in Russian history, and the roles they played in leading the nation to its current state. Russia has had the fortune of being ruled by a few strong and wise rulers, who have had a profound impact on the nation's history and current state of affairs. Prime amongst them were the celebrated Tsars, who ruled Russia from the 16th to the early 20th century. Ivan IV ruled from 1547 to 1584 and is credited as a successful ruler and brilliant military strategist, famously leading the cou...

Marveling at Russia’s Cultural Architecture Have you ever wondered about Russia's vast and remarkable cultural architecture? Its rich heritage, typified by grand cathedrals, timeless palaces, and stunning Orthodox churches, has fascinated travelers from near and far. Indeed, Russian architecture is one of the most recognizable in the world. From some of the most famous monuments, like the Hermitage in Saint-Petersburg, to lesser-known gems like the Cathedral of Christ the Saviour, visitors from all over the world come to immerse themselves in a period of Russian history, to experience the mystique of the Russian tsars. Located in the picturesque Moscow city center, the Cathedral of Christ the Savior is perhaps the most photographed and recognizable landmark in the Russian capital. With its imposing gold-plated dome, it stands out as one of the largest Orthodox Churches in the world and a symbol of national pride. The immense structure was built in the mid 19th century to commemora...

Russian Art History Have you ever wondered about the art of Russia – its origins, its development and its influences? Dating back to ancient times, the visual art of this historically rich nation has intertwined with its culture, reflecting its complicated and ever-evolving identity and existence. From the sculptures of the earliest Slavic peoples, through the sumptuous paintings of the Tsars, to the radical works of modern Russian avant-garde artists, let’s explore the sweeping, centuries-spanning history of Russian art. The earliest cultures who left their mark in Russia's forests and steppes were the Slavic Pagans, who settled in the area over 1500 years ago. Although they left no written records, they did bring with them the tradition of crafting art objects in amber, bronze, and stone. Such objects have been unearthed in various sites across Russia, including axes, rings, and other decorative pieces – some of which are believed to be sacted relics. Daniil S...

Celebrating Russian Holidays Have you ever thought about how Russians celebrate their holidays? Celebrating traditional Russian holidays can be a wonderful experience that will give you a glimpse into life in the land of the Tsars. Here we will look at some of the most popular holidays and discuss their traditions and customs. Christmas Although the Russian Orthodox Church follows the Julian calendar, the majority of Russians still celebrate Christmas on the 7th of January. This is because, for over 50 years during communist rule, the Orthodox holiday was not celebrated or even acknowledged. The main activities of Orthodox Christmas day in Russia involve going to a church service followed by a big feast that includes some traditional dishes, such as kutia (the main course) and meats. Christmas decorations are also a big part of the celebration and are usually made from natural materials such as straw, branches and berries. Easter Like Christmas, the celebration of Easter in Russia...